Toe supporter



1930. H. w. SIDGREAVES 1,737,398

TOE SUPPORTER Filed Sept. 7, 1928 INVENTOR ATTORNEY ing a pair of ribbon Patented Dec. 30, 1930 PATENT ()FFICE HENRY W. SIDGREAVES, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY TOE SUPPORTER Application filed September 7, 1928, Serial No. 304,565.

This invention comprehends the provision of a new article of manufacture in the nature of a foot attachment primarily designed to correct deformities of the toes, and more particularly the second, third, fourth and fifth toes of the foot, where the bony pressure has for the time being destroyed the actions of these muscles and joints.

One of the chief objects of the present invention resides in the provision of an article to be worn in comfort, and which will gradually correct the foot deformity and without causing any irritation on the toes or joints by pressure of the shoe.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a device of the character above mentioned which can be quickly and conveniently attached to or removed from the toes as the occasion may require, the invention including an adjustable pad which can be quickly arranged with relation to the de formed toe to be treated.

Other objects and advantages will appear when the following detail description is read in connection with the accompanying drawing, the invention residing in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawing forming part of this application like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view illustrating the manner of using the article without the adjustable Figure 2 is a view 111 elevation of the article removed from the toes and illustrating the adjustable toe engaging and supporting pad associated therewith.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the base of the article.

Figure 4 is a similar View of the adjustable toe supporting engaging pad and showreceiving tapes secured thereto.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing the article in use with a toe pad.

Figure 6 is a view taken at right angles to Figure Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of Fig ure 1.

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic View of Fig ure 5.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the arrangement of the pad when it is disposed for supporting the second toe.

The article forming the subject matter of the present invention includes an elongated base 10 which may be made of any suitable material, such as sponge, medicated or perforated rubber or any other soft and comfortable material. The base 10 is elongated in contour'and adapted to be arranged beneath the toes of the wearer as illustrated in Figure 1, and this base is provided with vertical slots adjacent the opposed ends to receive a ribbon or strap 11, whose length can be varied by means of the buckle 12 arranged on the underside of the base 10. The strap or ribbon 11 is of course, adapted to be spaced above the base 10 and cooperates with the latter to maintain the article associated with the toes in a manner to be presently described.

The tape or ribbon l1 slidably receives a toe engaging pad 13 which may be constructed from any suitable soft and comfortable material and also may vary in size and configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. This pad is provided with a tape or loop 1 1 as well as a tape or loop 15. T he tape 1 has its ends secured to two of the opposite sides of the pad and underlies the bottom thereof, while the tape has its ends secured to the same sides but is disposed about one of the other sides. The tapes or loops 14 and 15 receive the strap or ribbon 11 in the manner as best illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, and by this arrangement, it will be obvious that the pad 13 can be adjusted longitudinally of the base 10 in order that it may be properly positioned to support and engage a particular toe to be treated. The loop 14 will hold the pad in adjusted position when the latter is arranged to support the third toe but the loop 15 is used when the pad supports the second, fourth and fifth toes.

From the above description and disclosure of the drawings, it will be noted that the base is to be arranged beneath the toes of the foot as shown, While thestrap or ribbon is passed over one toe and under the neXt adjacent toe and then over the next toe as illustrated in Figures 1 and 7, it of course being understood that the strap may be passed over or under any particular toe or toes, it depending upon the desired location of the pad 13 as well as the dBSllBCl correction to be made to the toes. V V 7 The pad 13 is susceptible of adjustment longitudinally of the base, so that it may be arranged to repose under any particular-toe V or exert a pressure downwardly upon one toe and laterally against the adjacent toe and manifestly itdepends upon thedesired position of the pad 13 as to which toe the strap orribbon 11 is, passed under. It Will be further seen that the article is to be used Without-the pad for supporting the toes in substantial alignment as clearly shown in' Figures 1 to 7.

The invention is particularly advantageous in correcting what is known as lap-over toes or hammer toes, and can be comfortably worn in the manner illustrated without causing any irritation of the toe orioint incident to the pressure exerted upon the pad 13 by the shoe."

The entire article is simple in construction and can be manufactured and sold at a nominal cost, and will properly support and gradually correct any deformity of the toe.

While it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily understood, I desire to have it known that I do not limit myself to what is herein illustrated and described and that such changes may be resorted towhen desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed. I

What I claim is LlAs a new article of manufacture, an ap pliance for. treating deformed toes, comprisingan elongated base of soft material adapted to be arranged beneath the toes,'a strap associated with the base and adapted to be passed over and underthe toes of the foot supporting thebasein position for use, and a, relatively small pad slidably supported on said strap and. adapted tosingly engage the toe being treated.

.2. As a new article of manufacture, an appliance for treating deformed toes, comprising a base of soft comfortable materialv adapted-to'be arranged beneath the toes,: a

strap associated with said base andforming one continuous loop adapted to be passed. over andxunder the'toes'for holding the base in P'OSliJlOIIfOI' use, means for adjusting said strap, and a pad of soft comfortable material slidablym'ounted on the strapso that itmay be positioned toengage any particular toe to be treated. I

. V In testimony whereofI aflixmy signature.

' HENRY SIDGR-EAVES. 

